Bethel Hill Charter School

2024-2025

Student and Parent Handbook

401 Bethel Hill School Rd.

Roxboro, NC  27574

336-599-2823

https://www.bethelhill.net/ 

The mission of Bethel Hill Charter School…

is to lay the foundation for individual excellence.

The vision of Bethel Hill Charter School…

is to work in partnership with staff, families and community to promote high standards for academics and character.  This is accomplished in a safe, positive, multicultural environment.

Core Values

(Foundational beliefs of Bethel Hill Charter School)

Daily parental academic support is a priority for student success.

Character, respect and a strong work ethic are critical to student success.

Students learn best in a low teacher-student ratio.

A balanced literacy approach is essential to student learning in all content areas.

Broad and deep background knowledge, supported by the Core Knowledge Curriculum, is significant to student success.

Innovative strategies are essential in meeting the learning needs of individual students.

Note: BHCS reserves the right to make adjustments to the student and parent handbook throughout the school year as needed to ensure that the safety of our students is maintained.

August 8, 2024

Dear Parents & Guardians,

Welcome to Bethel Hill Charter School, home of the “Wildcats”! The Student and Parent Handbook is a resource for you and your student and is a tool that will provide you with basic information. Please note that this handbook is not all inclusive, as there might be additional information sent home throughout the school year. Our students are important to us and our goal is to provide the best and most appropriate education program possible.

We’re counting on your support! Visit us often, eat lunch with your child, participate in field trips, and ask your child’s teacher how you can help. Becoming involved in your child’s education is “win-win” because it takes parents, students, teachers and the community working together to establish an effective school; and something we have counted on at Bethel Hill since becoming a charter school!

Information will continue to be provided to you throughout the year via the school website and in the monthly Charter Chatter, flyers and our telephone call system. If you have any questions, or if there is any way in which we can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at 336-599-2823 ext.222 or email jessica.poole@bethelhill.net 

It’s going to be a great year in Wildcat Country!

Sincerely,

Jessica Poole, Principal

The School Day

Our school day is 8:15 – 3:00.  Students are allowed in the buildings no earlier than 7:50. All students must be picked up no later than 3:15.

 - A –

Arrival & Dismissal

Bus Arrival: Students must be on time at the bus stops.  Buses cannot wait for students. Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop and the stop arm and crossing bar to open before getting on the bus. Cross the road in front of the bus only and look both ways.  Parents should not chase down the bus to pick up their child. Do not let your child off behind a bus to attempt to get on the bus.  

Car Arrival: Students who ride a car to school can be dropped off as early as 7:50. If a child arrives to school before then, the only supervision in place is morning Daycare.  Parents will need to use the main driveway (double file) to drop their child off.  A staff member will help children exit the vehicle.

Bus Dismissal: It is very important for a parent or other designated individual to be at the appointed bus stop on time.  Students will not be allowed to get off the bus and walk behind the bus to get into a car that has caught up with the bus.

Car Dismissal: Parents or other designated individuals who are picking up a student will need to use the back parking lot so staff members can escort your child to the appropriate cone and help them enter the car.  We ask that all adults stay in their cars during dismissal.  Please make sure your child is capable of buckling his/her seatbelt before beginning school.  Anyone who needs to buckle a child we ask that you pull across the road in the parking lot to keep traffic flowing.

Arriving Late/Leaving Early

Students arriving or leaving school at any time during the regular school day (8:15 a.m. - 3:00 pm) must be signed in or out through the school office in the main building.

Arriving Late: Students who report to school after 8:15 will need to be signed in.  If a student does not sign in by 11:30, they will be marked absent for the day.

Leaving Early: We encourage parents to ensure students have a FULL DAY of school.  Please schedule appointments after school when possible.  If a student is checked out before 12:15, they will be counted absent for the day.  For safety reasons, parents are not allowed to go to the classroom to pick up a child. Office staff will call the classroom to have the student sent to the office for check out.

• Parents are required to personally check their child in or out of school. If this is not possible, a designee must be identified in writing.

• No one will be allowed to check out or transport a child without the consent of the parent or legal guardian.

• We will ask to see the identification of any person we do not know and we will not release a child to a babysitter, step-parent, or friend without prior authorization.

Animals and Pets on Campus

In order to value and preserve the safety due to possible allergy concerns and the comfort level of all students, staff, and parents, we ask that no animals be brought on campus without specific approval from administration. Please refrain from bringing pets or animals on campus.

Asbestos Update

The only buildings with asbestos remaining in our school are the gym, main building and cafeteria. In each of these buildings, the asbestos materials are encapsulated and in good condition. Any questions concerning our management plan may be directed to the Principal.

Attendance

Research suggests that regular school attendance is directly related to academic success.  In alignment with NC § 115C Article 26, for students to benefit from classroom instruction, they should not miss more than 10% of instructional days for the academic year.  IF a student exceeds the attendance limit, the student may be considered for retention, and is considered chronically absent.

When a student must miss school, parents should send a written note or note from a healthcare office the day the child returns to school with the following information: 

1. The date of the note 
2. The date of the absence
3. The specific reason for the absence
4. Parent signature  

Class Dojo/Remind App messages and emails will not be accepted.

An absence may be lawfully excused for the following reasons:

• Illness or injury (extended or excessive illness require a doctor’s note)
• Death in the immediate family
• Medical or dental appointments
• Court or administrative proceedings
• Religious observance
• Educational opportunity (must receive prior approval from principal)
• Parents in military service
• Other, as noted by the Board of Directors

If a student is absent for reasons other than these, or a note is not received within two weeks of absence from the school, the student will be counted for an unexcused absence.  Notification will be sent to parents at 3, 6, and 10 days of unexcused absences.  We will also schedule a conference if student frequently arrives late or has poor attendance.  

Parents may submit an “Educational Absence Request” to the Principal to have an educational trip counted as excused.  This can be found on our website and should be submitted to the Principal before the trip.  

Upon returning from any type of absence, all classwork should be made up within 3 days unless the teacher and/or principal approve other arrangements.

- B – 

Bus Transportation

BHCS provides a limited bus service for our students.  It is our goal to provide a safe, efficient, and cost effective method of transporting children to and from school.  All students are given a copy of “School Bus Policies and Procedures” at the beginning of each school year with more detailed information about our school buses.

Riding the school bus is a privilege that is reserved for those students who exhibit satisfactory behavior on the bus and at the bus stop.

Students are expected to follow the safety rules set in place for all bus riders.  Also, parents should not chase down the bus to pick up their child.  Bus drivers will not allow students to get off the bus and walk behind the bus to get into a car who has caught up with the bus.  Do not let your child off behind a bus to attempt to get on the bus.  

If a parent or other designated individual is not at the appointed bus stop when the bus arrives at the stop, the parent or designated individual is deemed tardy.  If the school has to make contact due to being tardy more than three times during the school year, the parent will be assessed $5 each additional time.  Also, if a child is not picked up by the parent or designated individual within five minutes after the bus driver completes the route or the driver has to return the child to the school, the parent will be assessed $30.  The assessment is to cover the cost associated with the tardiness.

Parents who have not paid the assessment within one month or are habitual in tardiness may lose the privilege of their child riding the bus.  We can better serve all of our parents if we work together by being prompt at the bus stops.

As a reminder, no persons except BHCS students are allowed to board a BHCS bus without permission of the bus driver or principal. This will allow us to provide efficient and safe bus transportation of our students.  

Bullying

In June 2009, the North Carolina General Assembly adopted the School Violence Prevention Act § 115C-407.15.  Please see the BHCS Policy Against Bullying, Harassment, and Discrimination included at the end of the handbook.  The policy prohibits harassment and bullying by students, employees, volunteers, and visitors.  

As defined by NC law, bullying or harassing behavior is: “any pattern of gestures or written, electronic, or verbal communications, OR any physical act OR any threatening communication that take place on school property, at any school-sponsored function, or on a school bus, AND that places a student or school employee in actual and reasonable fear of harm to his or her person OR damage to his or her property; OR creates or is certain to create a hostile environment by substantially interfering with or impairing a student’s educational performance, opportunities or benefits.”

- C-

Child Custody & Court Orders

If you have a court order regarding your child, notify the Principal and provide current official documentation to the front office.  If a child is only to be picked up by a custodial parent or guardian, a copy of the current court order must be on file in the front office.  If this official documentation is not current in our files, we cannot enforce the court order.  It is the responsibility of the custodial parent or guardian to ensure the school has current copies of court orders.

Child Nutrition (Cafeteria)

For the 2024-2025 school year, we will be participating in the National School Lunch Program, where we provide breakfast and lunch each day.  We will also participate in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) where we can serve breakfast and lunch at no cost to all enrolled students without collecting household applications.  Students may choose to purchase ice cream or a la carte items.  You may pay daily, in advance, or online through our website. Students are welcome to bring lunch from home. Be sure to not bring in any soft drinks or fast food which could potentially violate the National School Lunch Program regulations as they may not meet the nutritional standards set by the NSLP and put the school at risk for being fined or not allowed to participate in the program.

Class Parties

For holidays and specials occasions such as Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and the closing of school year classroom parties may be held.  The occasional “treat” on a student’s birthday is permitted only if it does not interfere with the normal program of the classroom.  Treats brought in should be store bought and adhere to any classroom allergies.  All such activities should be discussed and approved beforehand with the student’s teacher. 

Communications

Communication with our parents is of utmost importance to us.  We ask that you keep the school informed of your most recent contact information.  In the event of changes, please notify us in writing.  

We will send the majority of correspondence and forms home using the email component of the School Messenger System. If you would prefer paper copies of all communications sent home, you will be able to choose that option on your child’s emergency form.

You may also check out our school web site.  We ask that you bookmark our site and check it frequently for all up-to-date information concerning calendar changes, up- coming events, special reminders and lots more http://www.bethelhill.net .

- D-

Daycare (Before & After School) Program

A fee based Before and After school program is operated by BHCS.  Students enrolled in the program may arrive at school no earlier than 6:30 a.m. Students who are enrolled in After School may stay after until 5:30 pm. You may contact the school office for enrollment forms. No student may participate in the program without registering.

Dress Code

Students are expected to dress in a manner that promotes personal and school pride. Clothing and attire that is disruptive, suggestive, or obscene is prohibited. If a student is not following appropriate dress code rules, a parent will be called to bring a change of clothes to the school. The following test for appropriate dress should be applied when evaluating dress:

• Is the clothing sloppy?
• Is the clothing offensive to others?
• Does the clothing teach and support positive self-concept?
• Does the clothing tend to disrupt instruction?
• Does the clothing help foster a positive learning environment?
• Is the clothing inappropriate for an elementary child?

It is not the intent of the BHCS to stifle or deny appropriate expression through an individual’s dress. Students, faculty, and staff will be expected to dress in appropriate clothing for a positive learning environment. The principal will evaluate any questions concerning student and faculty dress.

If the principal determines an article of clothing is inappropriate, the student or faculty member is not allowed to wear the article of clothing or something similar to school until further notice. The parent or faculty member may appeal the principal’s decision by asking the principal for an appeal within 5 days. The principal will immediately contact the chairperson of the Board of Directors. The chairperson will follow the grievance procedure.  The Board of Directors will have final authority.

- E-

Electronic Devices; Cell Phones

Students may not use cell phones during school hours and should not carry cell phones on their person; these should be turned off and out of sight.  Students who use a cell phone will have it sent to the office for a parent to pick up. Smart-watches should not be used for phone calls or text messaging during the school day. All other personal electronic devices should not be brought to school (unless there is a special event in the classroom and the teacher allows it).  These devices may include, but are not limited to MP3 players, electronic readers, tablets, and laptop computers. The school is not liable for lost, damaged, or stolen electronic devices and/or accessories.

- F-

Field Trips

Field trips are planned throughout the school year. These trips are planned as an extension of classroom instruction.  You will receive information and are required to sign a permission form for your child to participate. There may be a cost to attend the trip for students.  

School age siblings should not attend field trips with a parent.  If so, they will be marked for an unexcused absence and could result in not being able to participate in future field trips.

Depending on the location, parents may be invited to attend and must provide their own transportation. Parents going on Field Trips must be approved volunteers. Parents will need to be an approved school volunteer before the date of the field trip. You cannot be considered to be a chaperone unless you are approved in advance.

If the parent/guardian accompanies students on a trip, he/she will be responsible for providing and administering medication unless otherwise noted. If they do not accompany students on a trip, the student’s teacher, principal, or other designated school employee will be responsible for medication administration and for maintaining the student’s medication in a secure location throughout the duration of the trip. If held by someone other than the student’s parent, the medication should be returned directly to the front office at the conclusion of the trip.

Students may not attend a field trip if they have received a suspension within 30 calendar days from the date of the trip.

- G-

Grading and Classwork

BHCS will operate under a 10-point grading scale.  Please refer to the scale below:

Important Things to Consider:

-Please sign up for the Parent Portal so you can view your child’s progress in the gradebook.

-Students have 3 days (or a set routine in place by the classroom teacher) for any missed assignments.

-Students who need extra time to complete assignments will be given that time; however, there may be instances where work is sent home to complete on their own.

-If students are not completing assignments as instructed on a regular basis, parents/guardians will be contacted.

-Graded assignments will be sent home regularly; become familiar with your child’s classroom procedures and review their work with them.

Students will receive grades in the subjects of English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies with the following categories:

- H-

Homework

Homework provides an opportunity for parents to become partners in their student’s learning process. Homework will be short and meaningful. Please encourage your child to complete all assigned homework.

Teachers have an obligation to:

-Plan homework assignments that are meaningful

-Evaluate and return homework promptly and provide essential, helpful, and valuable feedback

-Provide a classroom atmosphere that is conducive to the development of good study habits

Students have an obligation to:

-Attend class in order to receive homework assignments

-Ask for clarification if they do not understand

-Complete homework and turn it in on time

Parents have an obligation to:

-Assist and support all efforts of the teacher

-Never do their child’s homework

-Encourage their child to do their best

-Check and sign student agendas on a nightly basis.

 - I-

Inclement Weather

In the event of inclement conditions, announcements regarding the cancellation or delayed opening of school will be made as quickly as possible.  BHCS will follow the same decisions as Person County Schools.  Please refer to local radio, TV, and our school website.  If school is dismissed early, local media will be contacted, as well as a call from our Alert Now notification system.  If you are not getting these calls, contact the office to verify that we have your correct phone number.   There will be no after school care if school is dismissed early due to inclement weather.  If there is no announcement, school will be open.  

Integrity

Our school and individuals identified with our school strive to have the highest level of integrity.  To achieve this, we refrain from cheating, plagiarism (copying someone else’s work and representing it as our own work), falsification, stealing, and attempts to become involved in such acts.

- L-

Lost and Found

The school maintains a lost and found in the main building.  We ask you to check periodically for lost items.  Please write your child’s name on the inside label of coats, shirts, sweaters, and lunch box. This will help us return items when they are found. Items not claimed will be donated to local charities.

- M-

Media Center (Library)

The BHCS Media Center offers book checkout services to students. Books are checked out for one week. Students who misplace or damage library books will be assessed fines to help cover the replacement or repair of the book. If a book is lost, a student will not be permitted to check out another book until the previously checked out book is returned or paid for in full.

Medications at School

Any medication (prescribed and over-the-counter) cannot be administered by any school personnel under any circumstances unless authorized in writing by the health care provider. 

The school office must have on file a School Medication Form completed by the physician and signed by the parent before any medication can be administered. Forms can be obtained from the school office or found on our website.  At no time will the school supply medication for students (ex: Tylenol). Medications must be supplied by the parent and will be kept locked in the school office. All medication bottles shall be properly labeled with the student’s name, name of the medication, dosage, how administered, time administered, and physician’s name for prescribed medications.

This school does not permit or condone self-medication by students at school.  The school will assume no responsibility for students who self-medicate at school. The school is not responsible for the transportation of medication to and from school.  It is the responsibility of the parent to ensure that proper medication is brought to school and is provided.  School personnel will assume no liability for complications or side effects of medication when administered in accordance with the instructions provided by the parent/guardian, or health care professional.

MTSS

The Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) is a school improvement framework that aims to provide high-quality instruction and support for all students. The goal is to identify students who are at risk of academic failure or struggle with behavioral issues and provide additional assistance to help them make adequate progress in the classroom.  Our school MTSS team meets monthly with homeroom teachers to review student needs.

- P-

Parent Involvement

As participants in a charter school, parents are expected to be actively involved in their child’s formal education.  One of the major ideas behind BHCS is parent involvement.  Parents are expected to volunteer a minimum of one hour per month.  Hours volunteered are not limited to hours on campus.  This is a real opportunity for parents to have real hands-on experience with their child’s education.  Please see “Volunteers” in the handbook for more information.

Physical Education (P.E.)

All students will attend P.E. class once per week which consists of skills, games, and physical fitness. Students should wear appropriate clothing and tennis shoes/sneakers. No flip-flops, slides, heels, open-toed, Crocs, or Croc-like shoes are allowed in P.E.  Students may not be allowed to participate if they wear inappropriate footwear.

PTO

BHCS is fortunate to have an active and involved Parent Teacher Organization. We encourage all of our parents to join the PTO and be active as your schedule allows.  Funds raised by PTO help put much needed materials and supplies in the hands of our students, as well as enrich our classroom experience. Additional PTO information will be shared at Open House, or you can email pto.bhcs@bethelhill.net for more information.

- R-

Report Cards and Parent Conferences

Report cards will be sent out every six weeks, as we participate in six-week grading terms.  We will hold Parent-Teacher Conferences after the 1st, 4th, and 5th (if necessary).

Parents may request a conference at any time they feel necessary simply by contacting the school and setting up a suitable time with the appropriate teacher. Parents have access to check grades on-line through Parent Portal.  See your child’s teacher for details.

Respect

The Bethel Hill tradition is one of care and respect.  Students must show respect to teachers, assistants, bus drivers, and other school employees.  All school employees are, in turn, expected to show respect to all students. Students should respect and obey the judgment of their teachers.  Rudeness is not necessary at Bethel Hill and will not be tolerated from anyone.

Returned Checks

There is a $25.00 service charge on all returned checks. Returned checks must be paid by cash or money order.  After a person has two returned checks in one school year, we will not be able to accept check payments.

- S-

School Functions

Students must follow all BHCS rules and board policies while in any school building or on any premises before, during, or after school hours.

Solicitation

The principal must approve all solicitations.  The selling of products by students to other students or teachers is not allowed unless it is a BHCS fundraiser.  Violating this may result in a minimum of confiscation of the product being sold.

Student Behavior

Our expectations are focused on creating conditions that foster self-discipline in a supportive school climate that is conducive to maximum learning for all students. Our approach to student discipline at BHCS is to proactively prevent or reduce challenging behaviors and produce positive outcomes. The focus of this approach is to make problem behavior less effective and desired behavior more relevant. We seek to create positive environments by utilizing strategies such as introducing, defining, modeling, teaching, and supporting positive behavioral expectations school-wide and then reinforcing and rewarding students for these positive social behaviors.

In the event that students are having difficulty maintain appropriate behavior at school, teachers and staff can implement interventions to help redirect their behavior.  If the behavior is still an issue, consequences will occur.  See our Student Code of Conduct attached at the end of the handbook.  

- T-

Technology

Students are encouraged to use the school’s computers, devices and network. Technology and 21st century learning skills are continually changing. BHCS will continue to provide more access to technology for all students.  It will be exciting to see our students engaged and actively using technology to create and solve problems. Please see our Technology Acceptable Use Policy (AUP).  Parents are required to sign before students are allowed on devices.  

Any abuse of these technologies will result in your student not being able to use devices, or may result in being responsible for charges to replace damaged or broken equipment!

Title 1

Title 1 is a federal program designed to improve student reading abilities and provide resources to qualifying schools.  The purpose of Title I is to help every child receive a high quality education, and help build capacity for parent involvement.  Our program is designed as a school-wide Title 1 Program.  This additional funding is used for positions to enhance the educational experience of all students at Bethel Hill Charter School.  Our Parent Involvement & Family Engagement Policy found on our website adhere to Title I requirements.

Transportation

Each student at BHCS will need to have a primary mode of transportation to and from school. Understandably, changes will sometimes occur.

Any changes in transportation must be sent in writing. A note to your child’s teacher should be dated and include the change as well as your signature and phone number.

We will follow the child’s normal routine without a note from the parent. Long-term changes in transportation also need to be sent in writing to the main office. Last minute changes to a child’s transportation without a note will be handled by administration on an emergency basis only. If last minute changes are made on a regular basis, a meeting between parents and school administration will be held to develop a safety plan for your student.

- v-

Visitors

Visitors are always welcome at Bethel Hill.  To ensure the safety of every child and staff member, all visitors must sign in at the main office and receive a pass.  It is vital that we identify everyone that enters our building as a legitimate visitor.

Classroom Visitors: To protect instructional time, parent conferences must be scheduled in advance and may not occur during instructional time.  Please be respectful of our teachers’ time and contact them in advance for conferences.  Appointments can be made before school, during their planning time, or after school.

Lunch Visitors: Parents and grandparents are always welcome to eat lunch with their child.  Please notify your child’s teacher that morning to update their lunch count.  Visitors can report directly to the cafeteria and sign in as a visitor there. Be sure to not bring in any soft drinks or fast food which could potentially violate the National School Lunch Program regulations as they may not meet the nutritional standards set by the NSLP and put the school at risk for being fined or not allowed to participate in the program.

Volunteers

Using parents and resource persons to enhance our educational program at BHCs can provide numerous benefits.  We welcome volunteers in many forms; on campus, during field trips, for PTO and other activities that may occur.

Parents are expected to volunteer a minimum of one hour per month.  Hours volunteered are not limited to hours on campus.  This is a real opportunity for parents to have real hands-on experience with their child’s education.  

Anyone wishing to volunteer at BHCS is strongly encouraged to do so. We ask that all volunteers complete a background check through our website, https://bib.com/secure-volunteer/bethel-hill-charter-school/ 

Once you have completed the check and it is approved, you will be on the list of approved volunteers and will receive a pocket card in the mail.  

Bethel Hill Charter School

Student Promotion Requirements

The goal of the Bethel Hill Charter Board of Directors is to develop academically proficient students.  They support an educational program that ensures all students progress continuously from grade to grade. Decisions about student placement, promotion, and retention will be made with the student's best interest in mind, based on a thorough evaluation of all relevant factors.

To be promoted to the next grade level, students must demonstrate grade-level proficiency through grades in the core area subjects (Math, English Language Arts, Science, Social Studies), work samples, observations, teacher-generated assessments, school-generated assessments (grades K-2), state-generated assessments (grades 3-5) and/or other factors in all areas of the curriculum.  Regular and punctual attendance is critical to student success; therefore, students must also meet the most current policy on attendance.

Third grade students must meet the current North Carolina Read to Achieve requirements as outlined in §115C-83.1 in order to be promoted.  

When assessing student performance, the principal and teachers will consider all available information, such as the criteria mentioned above, and when applicable, recognized standards for measuring developmental progress.  By the fourth grading term of the school year teachers shall identify students at risk of retention and notify their parents in writing, as well as provide parents with information concerning any intervention opportunities available to the student.  The principal and teachers will collaborate with parents to reach final decisions on student promotion. However, in compliance with §115C-288(a) the principal retains the ultimate authority to determine promotion or retention.

To the best extent possible, students with disabilities should adhere to the same promotion standards as their peers. However, for those who substitute alternative assessments for end-of-grade (EOG) tests, promotion decisions should follow criteria recommended by the IEP team. All intervention strategies and opportunities, benefits, and resources available to students without disabilities under promotion standards must also be accessible to students with disabilities. These opportunities should complement the special education services provided to each student.

Bethel Hill Charter School

Policy Against Bullying, Harassment, and Discrimination

(Adopted 2005, Revised August 2012)

The Mission of Bethel Hill Charter School is to lay the foundation for individual excellence.

The Vision of Bethel Hill Charter School is to work in partnership with staff, families and community to promote high standards for academics and character.  This is accomplished in a safe, positive multicultural environment.

To That End We Adopt the Following Policy:

The Bethel Hill Charter School Board of Directors will provide a healthy, safe, orderly, and caring environment that is free from bullying, harassment, and discrimination.

No student or adult shall direct toward the principal, teacher, school staff, other students or persons, in any BHCS building, grounds, bus, the use of any language which threatens force, violence or puts another in apprehension of bodily injury or which is abusive or insulting or which is intended to intimidate, threaten, force or extort money or personal property or personal service from any individual.  No student shall verbally or nonverbally show or express any physical conduct that interferes with the healthy learning environment of any individual or group of individuals on any property owned by Bethel Hill Charter School.  Intimidation, bullying, repeated teasing, taunting or the use of offensive or degrading words or language and or remarks that demeans a person’s race, sex, religion, national origin, ability /disability (physical or intellectual) are specifically prohibited on all Bethel Hill Charter School properties.  No student shall use electronics or any other means to harass a principal, teacher, other school employee, student or anyone else.  This includes, but not limited to, e-mails and anonymous and annoying phone calls.

This policy also applies to all school-sponsored functions on and off school property as well as any occasion in which the student is representing the school in an official capacity.  The principal may take appropriate action to maintain the safe and orderly operation of the school.

Bethel Hill Charter School

Student & Parent Grievance Policy

 (Approved 10-16-2014)

• If a student/parent issue remains unresolved after a formal conference with the teacher, a parent may request a formal conference with the principal.
• If the issue remains unresolved after a formal conference with the principal, the parent may request an appeals hearing with the Board of Directors Chairman.  
• The parent must request this appeals hearing in writing within 10 days to the Chairman of the BHCS Board of Directors.  The written request must contain an outline of the grievance giving details and dates.  A copy of this dated letter must be sent to the principal.
• If possible, the Board Chairman shall call a meeting within 2 weeks of receiving the grievance.  The Board Chairman will appoint a Grievance Committee of Board Members to hear the grievance.
• At the appeals hearing, the Grievance Committee will listen to all sides of the grievance.
• After the hearing, the Grievance Committee will make a decision with any recommended action and notify the parent and the principal directly or in writing.

Bethel Hill Charter School

School Discipline Procedures & Student Code of Conduct

Bethel Hill Charter School is committed to providing a safe and positive environment for learning.  Bethel Hill Charter students will be taught that certain behaviors are not acceptable and consequences will follow.  Upon any violation of the Code of Conduct, the Principal will have the authority to schedule a family conference.  In all cases, the parents or guardian will be informed of the student’s inappropriate behavior and the assigned punishment.

Consequences will depend on the type of offense and the severity of the offense.  Repeated offenses may result in possible suspension or expulsion.

For minor offensives of the Code of Conduct, the faculty and staff may:

• Encourage students to work together to resolve conflicts
• Issue a verbal reprimand
• Assign time-out in class
• Contact parent or guardian
• Assign the student a written assignment (including a short essay on the dangers of such inappropriate behavior, or letter of apology when appropriate)
• Assign student to an in school suspension setting with supervision
• Require the student to apologize
• Require the student to perform in-school service
• Require the student to repair, replace, or pay for physical damage

All students will be expected to abide by the school’s attendance policy and strive towards a safe environment by respecting fellow students, faculty, school property, and property of others.  The faculty and staff will provide a positive learning environment by:

• Positively encouraging the students
• Modeling appropriate behavior
• Respecting the feelings and needs of students
• Clearly communicating the behavior expected from students

The Principal has the authority to evaluate and assign consequences for violations of the Code of Conduct.  For serious repeated offenses, consequences have been established.  The recommended consequences are guidelines.  Therefore, the nature of the offense and the record of the student must be taken into consideration before a final decision on the appropriate consequence is made.  No out of school suspension nor expulsion shall take place without affording the parents or guardian a hearing before the Principal of the charter school.  No decision to suspend for more than ten days or to expel a student may be made until it has been approved by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.

Should students be in possession of illegal items such as weapons and drugs and thereby cause a threat to the safety of themselves or others, the administration will take steps to protect the safety of all, by confiscating such items and contacting the appropriate legal authorities.  Students bringing a weapon (as defined by NC§ 14-269.2b & g) or illegal drugs onto the school property will be suspended for 365 days pursuant to NC§ 115C-390.10.

The Board of Directors has the authority to exclude from enrollment any student that has been expelled from another educational facility under the time of the duration of that expulsion.  A decision would be made by majority vote (NC§ 115C-390.12).

If a student with disability violates the Code of Conduct, they can be removed from his or her current placement to an appropriate interim alternative educational setting, another setting, or suspension, for up to 10 school days. Students with disabilities who are considered for long term suspensions (more than 10 days) or for whom a pattern is determined must have a Manifestation Determination Review. A Manifestation Determination Review is to determine whether a student’s misconduct is related to the student’s disability, then the school must return the student to his current placement unless the parent and the school agree to a change of placement. If unrelated, the school may proceed with the discipline.  

Student Code of Conduct

The Principal has the authority to evaluate and assign consequences for violations of the Code of Conduct.  For serious repeated offenses, consequences have been established. The recommended consequences are guidelines.  Therefore, the nature of the offense and the record of the student must be taken into consideration before a final decision on the appropriate consequence is made.  No out of school suspension nor expulsion shall take place without affording the parents or guardian a hearing before the Principal of the charter school.  No decision to suspend for more than ten days or to expel a student may be made until it has been approved by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.